I'd another reason for why I'm personally more interested in coilovers than shocks and springs - the ability to swap out OEM shocks and springs as one complete unit and pop in the coilovers as one complete unit, at least for the fronts. Makes it a little easier to go back to stock if needed for any reason.
I don't feel like ripping apart my OEM suspension to get bits like bumpstops and dust covers, so I'd be buying those extras with shocks and springs. I was speccing out a Koni Yellow and spring set up. Even with a set of Yellows for $535 from some random store, some Eibach or Neuspeed springs, and the remaining bits such as bearings, strut mounts, etc. I was within $200 or so of coilovers. Plus, with the particular coilovers I'm looking at, I'd be able to adjust damping on the rears without tearing the car apart. And I'd get camber plates. Though in all practicality, for ME, adjustable camber would probably go untouched. But hey, I like options!
That being said, I start to think is it worth the hassle/option of setting the ride height? And then thinking "Oh man, just two more threads would be perfect!" Or continually adjusting the dampers? Or thinking I need just a little more camber? I could see myself driving myself crazy.
So maybe a spring and shock combo with fewer options would be better. Plus, with springs and shocks being so close in price to coilovers, I wonder if I'm paying more for the adjustability and extras like camber plates with coilovers whereas I might be paying for a more quality damper and/or better springs with a shock and spring kit.
I have too much time on my hands lol!